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During a recent discussion, former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif made a significant observation following the team’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. He emphasized the crucial need for a stabilizing influence like Rahul Dravid between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi to address internal issues and steer the team in the right direction.
The Pakistan cricket team has been grappling with not just performance challenges but also various controversies in recent times. Reports suggest that team unity is lacking, with prominent players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi reportedly having differences exacerbated by the captaincy situation.
After Babar Azam was replaced as captain post ICC World Cup 2023, Shaheen Afridi took over but faced a rough start with Pakistan’s disappointing series against New Zealand, leading to his subsequent removal. Babar Azam was reinstated, causing further discontent evident from Afridi’s social media posts.
The instability in leadership adversely affected Pakistan, resulting in losses against New Zealand, England, and even Ireland, culminating in an early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. Analysts attribute this setback to poor team cohesion.
Rashid Latif argued that analogous to India’s success under a guiding figure like Rahul Dravid between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Pakistan needs a similar mentor figure to foster unity and resolve internal conflicts. This, he believes, is essential to get the team back on track.
“The fatherly figure point used by Kamran bhai. If he (Dravid) wasn’t there, they (Rohit and Kohli) wouldn’t have been able to win. Now, show us the last picture of Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam. We need someone who can bring them together again.
“Everyone knows the problem. No one is talking. If these two are one, the team will stand. They were the same as before. They make one the captain. The second was upset. They made the second the captain. The third was upset. Solve this. The rest keep playing. It was the same team. The boys are the same. “
Rashid Latif – Change two or three. Divide and rule
Rashid Latif additionally remarked that the PCB must initiate comprehensive reforms, emphasizing the need to abandon divisive tactics. He highlighted the potential benefits of reducing player salaries as a strategic move. According to him:
“Divide and rule was created by PCB chiefs. Now, you are thinking that you will reduce the money in the central contract. Where were you giving one lakh dollars to a player? So, think about it. What is your thinking?” He concluded.
